Artificial intelligence can write emails, summarise documents and answer questions in mere seconds. It is an impressive technology and, when used correctly, has the potential to make many aspects of life and business more efficient.

What it cannot do, however, is provide appropriate financial advice.

That distinction is becoming increasingly important as more people turn to AI tools for answers about pensions, investments, mortgages, retirement planning and wealth management. While AI can be useful for learning about financial concepts and...

The sandwich generation is feeling the squeeze

 “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”

If you’re old enough to remember the song*, there’s a good chance you’re also one of the sandwich generation. If so, you’ll know that trying to cope with the financial, emotional and practical pressures that come with supporting ageing parents and dependent children at the same time is no laughing matter. That’s especially true when you’re also managing a career and your own long-term wellbeing.

The con...

Cybercriminals use a wide range of tactics to con people out of their money. Stay one step ahead with these five crucial tips to avoid financial scams.

1. Stay informed

Knowing how to spot a financial scam is your first line of defence. Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics so regularly educating yourself about common approaches like phishing, identity fraud and romance scams are crucial to staying one step ahead.

Action Fraud and other consumer protection organisations offer a wealth of valuable resources and updates on emergi...

The UK has a new Prime Minister, and if Andy Burnham's first speech outside Downing Street is anything to go by, households could be facing one of the most significant shifts in economic policy in decades.

Burnham described his arrival in office as a "circuit breaker" moment for Britain, promising a new political and economic model that would reverse some of the trends he believes have held back parts of the country since the 1980s.

While detailed policies are still to be announced, his speech provides some strong clues as to the direction...

Political events can move quickly. Leadership changes, elections and major policy announcements often dominate the headlines and can leave people wondering what it all means for their finances.

Awaiting the appointment of Andy Burnham, many people will be asking whether they should make changes to their investments, pension or wider financial plans. In moments like these, it can be tempting to react to uncertainty or make decisions based on speculation. Having a clear plan and access to professional advice can help bring some perspective.

Major political events often create a wave of questions. Following the resignation of Keir Starmer, commentators will spend weeks discussing what comes next and what the implications could be for the UK economy.

For many people, the more pressing question is much simpler.

“What does this mean for me?”

It’s easy to feel pulled in different directions

One commentator predicts growth. Another expects challenges ahead. Markets react to new information, and newspaper headlines compete for attention.

Trying to make financial decisions in the ...

How to create the retirement lifestyle you imagine

How much money will you need to make your retirement dreams a reality? The short answer is: more than you might think.

One reason why is that we’re living longer, which is great news. But it means a career of 35-40 years has got to pay for a retirement that could well last nearly as long. The numbers don’t add up for most people, unless we get used to the idea that we need to start saving earlier, and start saving more.

Dependent on where you are on life’s journey, retirement can feel lik...

It’s ok to live for today, but don’t risk your future financial security.

Do you remember Aesop’s Fable number 87?  It’s the one about a lucky farmer who owned a goose that laid a glittering golden egg every day.

Sadly, this wasn’t enough for the impatient farmer. He had a dubious ‘get rich quick’ idea to collect all the golden eggs at once by killing the goose and cutting it open. But there was no gold inside and the farmer had destroyed his source of future wealth.

So, what’s the moral of the tale, and what has it got to do with persona...

Every four years, the World Cup reminds us how quickly fortunes can change. One moment a team is flying high, the next a single injury or unexpected setback can alter everything.

Financially, life works in a similar way.

Many people focus on building their future - buying a home, supporting a family or creating financial stability. But few stop to consider what would happen if illness or injury suddenly prevented them from working.

This World Cup summer is a timely reminder that protecting your finances is just as important as building th...